‘SNL’ is next for LeBron

Tom Withers The Associated Press CLEVELAND — Live from New York, it’s LeBron! Cavaliers All-Star forward LeBron James, fresh off co-hosting the ESPY Awards earlier this month, will host the season premiere of “Saturday Night Live” in September, an NBC spokesman confirmed on Wednesday. The 22-year-old James will be the latest prominent athlete to host “SNL,” following his boyhood idol, NBA superstar Michael Jordan, who hosted in 1991. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning appeared on the show last season. James’ “SNL” appearance was first reported by Daily Variety. James got positive reviews for his work co-hosting the ESPYs along with comedian/talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. James appeared in several skits and danced and sang Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative” with rewritten lyrics about his own fame. Later this week, James is expected to report to minicamp with the U.S. national team as it begins preparations for next month’s FIBA Americas tournament, the regional qualifier for the 2008 Olympics. Last season, James led Cleveland to its first NBA finals, where the Cavs were swept in four games by the San Antonio Spurs. He was the overall No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft, and in four seasons, James has become one of the league’s star players as well as one of its most popular ones.